The Bible has a lot to say about haughty eyes and a proud look. This attitude of pride and arrogance is strongly warned against throughout Scripture. Here is an in-depth look at the biblical meaning behind verses that speak against having “haughty eyes.”
Definition of Haughty Eyes
The phrase “haughty eyes” refers to a prideful, arrogant, or conceited attitude that is reflected in one’s gaze or facial expression. It conveys a sense of superiority, self-importance, and disdain for others.
Some key aspects of haughty eyes include:
- Pride – An inflated view of oneself.
- Arrogance – Looking down on others; acting in a superior, condescending way.
- Vanity – Excessive concern with one’s appearance or image.
- Self-centeredness – A preoccupation with oneself; seeking attention and accolades.
- Judgmentalism – A critical, condemning attitude toward others.
The term “haughty” means lofty, proud, arrogant, or disdainful. So “haughty eyes” refers to an outward expression through one’s eyes and face that conveys pride and arrogance from the heart.
What Does the Bible Say About Haughty Eyes?
The Bible contains many verses that address the problem of haughty eyes and warn against this prideful attitude. Here are some of the key passages:
Proverbs 6:16-17
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes…”
This well-known proverb makes it clear that God strongly dislikes pride and arrogance. Haughty eyes are equated with things the Lord despises.
Proverbs 21:4
“Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.”
Here Scripture bluntly states that pride reflected in haughty eyes is sin in God’s sight. This arrogance is associated with the wicked, rather than the righteous.
Proverbs 30:13
“There are those—how lofty are their eyes, how high their eyelids lift!”
This passage describes people who have an appearance of pride and arrogance. Their body language and facial expressions convey a sense of superiority over others.
Psalm 131:1
“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high…”
In contrast to the haughty, the psalmist declares his eyes are not “raised too high.” He exemplifies the humble dependence on God that arrogance lacks.
Proverbs 16:5
“Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.”
The source of haughty eyes is a prideful heart. And God promises this arrogance will not escape consequences.
Psalm 18:27
“For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.”
In His mercy, God cares for the humble. But He opposes the proud who exalt themselves. Haughty eyes lead to one’s downfall.
Proverbs 28:25
“A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.”
Pride stems from self-sufficiency rather than trusting God. Haughty eyes reflect a heart that leaves God out.
Why Does God Oppose Haughtiness?
It is clear from these and other verses that Scripture strongly denounces haughty eyes and pride. But why does this attitude provoke such strong opposition from God? Consider these reasons:
It Is Rooted in Self-glorification, Not God-glorification
The proud person seeks to draw attention to self rather than give glory to God. Haughty eyes reflect a heart that desires to promote self rather than the Creator.
It Elevates Self Over Others
Pride leads to an inflated view of oneself in relation to others. But God opposes arrogance that puts down others made in His image.
It Often Leads to Injustice and Oppression
When people see themselves as superior, they are more prone to mistreat and take advantage of those they deem “beneath” them.
It Is Related to Self-deception and Hypocrisy
Pride leads to an exaggerated view of oneself that distorts reality. God hates arrogance cloaked in hypocrisy.
It Produces Discord, Not Harmony
Pride causes strife and divisions, as the arrogant expect special treatment. Haughtiness works against true community.
It Rejects Correction and Wisdom
The proud fiercely protect their inflated self-image. They are not open to feedback or accountability that could lead to growth.
It Is Detrimental to Real Relationships
No one wants to be around someone with haughty eyes who looks down on them. Pride drives people away rather than drawing them together.
It Leads to Downfall, Not Blessing
Scripture consistently shows that pride leads to ruin, while humility brings God’s favor. Haughtiness sets a person up for consequences.
How to Overcome Haughty Eyes
The Bible not only identifies the problem of haughty eyes but also provides the solution. Here are some principles and actions that can help overcome pride and cultivate humility:
Acknowledge Pride as Sin
The first step is to recognize arrogance and self-exaltation as sin and offense to God. Ask God to reveal moments of haughtiness.
Study Bible Verses Addressing Pride
Regular meditation on verses about pride and humility reinforces the need to walk in lowliness.
Pray for Humility and Dependence on God
Ask God daily to break the power of pride and produce true humility in one’s inner person.
Submit to Accountability and Correction
Give others permission to point out prideful attitudes or behavior they observe. Welcome feedback.
Serve Others
Look for ways to lift up, encourage, and meet the needs of others. This counteracts self-centeredness.
Give God Glory for Any Successes or Abilities
Remember that all good gifts come from Him. steward them for His purposes, not self-promotion.
Focus on Emulating Jesus’ Humility
Follow Christ’s example of lowly servanthood, considering others’ needs above one’s own.
The Danger of Unchecked Pride
Scripture repeatedly warns where unchecked pride can lead. Some consequences of refusing to overcome haughty eyes include:
– Strained relationships
– Loss of community/friendships
– Downfall or discipline from God
– Ignoring wisdom and correction
– Hypocrisy and blindness to one’s faults
– Increasing injustice, oppression, and discord
– Eventual ruin and destruction
But the good news is that when we acknowledge prideful attitudes, God stands ready to forgive and give grace for change. His strength is made perfect in weakness. As 1 Peter 5:5 reminds believers, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” By recognizing haughty eyes and asking God to cultivate humility, our lives can display His work of grace.
Haughty Eyes Reflect a Heart Problem
At its root, haughty eyes reveal a deeper heart issue that needs to be addressed. The problem is not just prideful looks in themselves, but the corrupted values and attitudes they represent.
Arrogance flows out of hearts that:
– Seek human praise over God’s approval
– Feel entitled rather than grateful
– Trust in themselves rather than God’s power
– Selfishly assert their own wills and ways
– Crave control rather than submitting to God’s sovereignty
This points to a need for true heart change that starts on the inside. As Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” God desires to bring healing, renewal and transformation to proud hearts.
Cultivating Humility Before God
The antidote to haughty eyes is a spirit of Christ-like humility. Here are some keys to growing in an attitude of humility:
– Regularly confess pride as sin before God
– Focus on God’s grace at the cross – Jesus bore God’s wrath for the proud heart I bring Him
– Remember that every good thing comes from God’s hand
– Ask God to break self-reliance and instill continual reliance on Christ
– Study examples of biblical humility like John the Baptist, who said of Jesus “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
– Foster gratitude to God each day for all He has done
– Think of myself rightly – neither too high nor too low
– Consider others’ needs ahead of my own
– Value encouraging others over self-exaltation
Humility does not come naturally. But as we submit our hearts to God, He faithfully renews our inner being to make us more like Jesus. His promise in James 4:6 offers hope: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Bible Examples of Proud Hearts Brought Low
Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates his opposition to prideful, haughty people by humbling and bringing them low. Here are some examples:
Pharaoh (Exodus)
The arrogant Egyptian king exalted himself as a god and harshly oppressed Israelites. But God humbled Pharaoh through 10 plagues culminating in death of his firstborn son. Pride led to his army’s defeat at the Red Sea.
Haman (Esther)
This Persian official sought to destroy Jews out of wounded pride. He was hanged on the gallows built for his enemy, Mordecai. His haughty expectations were shattered.
Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel)
The Babylonian king grew so arrogant that he failed to acknowledge God. He lost his mind and spent 7 years living like an animal until he recognized God’s sovereignty.
Herod (Acts)
In a prideful act before the people, this ruler accepted worship as a god. But he was immediately struck down by an angel and died from being eaten by worms.
Simon the Sorcerer (Acts)
This man thought he could buy God’s power for self-promotion. But Peter confronted his wicked pride, and Simon begged for mercy.
These cases illustrate how seriously God takes pride. He actively opposes the haughty but gives grace to those who recognize their lowliness apart from Christ.
Pride Comes Before the Fall
Countless biblical examples demonstrate the truth of Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Here are some specific cases where arrogance led to a great downfall:
Lucifer
This angel was cast out of heaven for the pride that led to rebellion against God (Isaiah 14:12-15). His desire to elevate himself above his Creator led to eternal downfall.
Adam and Eve
The first humans were tempted by the pride of “being like God” apart from Him. Their fall into sin ushered in death and ruin (Genesis 3).
The Tower of Babel
An early civilization proudly tried to build a tower to make a name for themselves. God dispersed them for not relying on Him (Genesis 11:1-9).
Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32)
The Assyrian king haughtily ridiculed Judah’s God. But his massive army was annihilated by the angel of the Lord. His pride cost him dearly.
The Pharisees
Jesus frequently confronted these religious leaders for spiritual pride. Their hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and desire for human praise led to rejecting Christ and condemnation.
From beginning to end, Scripture shows God humbling the proud. We must guard our hearts against haughty eyes to avoid this destructive fall.
Forsaking Pride for Fear of the Lord
What motivates us to forsake prideful hearts and walk in humility? According to Scripture, the primary remedy is nurturing a right fear and reverence for the Lord.
Proverbs 16:6 says, “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.” The fear of the Lord moves us to depart from sin and walk in God’s ways.
This humble reverence recognizes God’s surpassing greatness, holiness, and authority. It understands our creaturely position before Him as our Maker and Judge. A right view of God dispels the myths that feed our pride.
The fear of the Lord also flows from gratitude for God’s mercy. Like Paul, we remember, “…by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). This grace-fueled humility shapes our attitude and actions.
As Augustine proclaimed, “Where pride is, there also is humility—it is pride that creates humility.” God uses fear of the Lord to dismantle our pride so Christ’s humble love reigns in its place.
Clothing Ourselves in Humility
Scripture calls believers to “clothe yourselves with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). This metaphor is packed with insight into overcoming pride.
How do we “put on” Christ-like humility daily?
- We choose it deliberately – like thoughtfully picking out garments to wear each day.
- It should become the new normal – our regular outer presentation to the world.
- We grow comfortable in it as we walk and work – humility becomes a fit for life.
- It protects from elements like pride that can creep in.
- It requires upkeep and care – we nurture humility in community.
- It reflects the Lord’s handiwork in us – displaying His gracious transforming power at work within.
This call to “clothe ourselves” implies humility requires our intentionality. But God enables what He commands. His Spirit produces Christlike humility as we submit to the process. Our part is to continually “put on” this new clothing He provides.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible strongly warns against the sin of “haughty eyes” and a prideful heart. God stands opposed to the arrogant but gives grace to the humble. For our good and His glory, Scripture urges us to turn from self-exaltation and instead walk in humility and rely on the Lord. He promises that “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). By God’s grace, may our eyes and hearts reflect the humility of Christ.